OCD and intrusive thoughts impact many but are often misunderstood. 

Kristina Orlova, LMFT, and host of “The OCD Whisperer Podcast,” shares her personal journey and evidence-based strategies to manage OCD effectively.

From differentiating OCD from anxiety to practical tips for navigating intrusive thoughts, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control of your mental well-being.

We talk about: 

05:00 - Kristina shares her personal journey with OCD

07:00 - The differences between generalized anxiety and OCD

13:00 - Understanding postpartum OCD

18:00 - Coping strategies for postpartum OCD

23:00 - Practical techniques to manage intrusive thoughts

27:00 - ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) and how it helps individuals confront and reduce their OCD symptoms

31:00 - How to address rumination and spiraling thoughts

39:00 - How to focus on “what is” rather than “what if” to stay present and grounded during stressful times

48:00 - Resources and support for OCD

Questions answered in this episode: 

• What is OCD, and how does it differ from generalized anxiety?
• What are intrusive thoughts, and how do they manifest in daily life?
• How can postpartum OCD present, and what are its common symptoms?
• What is the connection between postpartum intrusive thoughts and anxiety?
• Can hormonal changes and sleep deprivation contribute to postpartum OCD?
• What practical strategies can help manage intrusive thoughts?
• What can you do to interrupt rumination and break the cycle of repetitive thinking?
• When is professional help necessary for managing OCD symptoms?

Sponsors: 

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Resources:

• Optimize your preconception health by joining my Baby Steps Course today!  
• Optimize your preconception health and fertility through my free hormone balancing, fertility boosting chocolate recipe! Download it now!
• My Amazon storefront
• Kristina Orlova’s website and Instagram
• International OCD Foundation’s website

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